Apple’s latest iOS 18.2 update brings several exciting features, including the highly anticipated Visual Intelligence. Exclusively available on iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models, Visual Intelligence is Apple’s answer to Google Lens, leveraging AI and the camera system to analyze images in real-time.
What is Visual Intelligence?
Visual Intelligence empowers users to gain deeper insights from the world around them. By analyzing images instantly, it can provide valuable information about objects, places, text, and more. This opens up a world of possibilities, from identifying products and finding deals to translating text, summarizing information, and even having content read aloud. Visual Intelligence seamlessly integrates with Google Image Search and ChatGPT, further enhancing its capabilities.
Availability and Access
While Visual Intelligence promises a wealth of features, its rollout has been somewhat staggered. Currently, it’s exclusive to iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users. Apple plans to expand availability to older iPhone models in the future. Access to the feature is currently granted through a waitlist. Interested users can join the waitlist within the iPhone’s settings menu under “Apple Intelligence & Siri.”
How to Use Visual Intelligence
Launching Visual Intelligence is simple. Simply long-press the Camera Control button located on the bottom right corner of your iPhone. Once activated, you’ll see a dedicated interface. From there, choose to interact with text, Google Image Search, or ChatGPT by tapping the corresponding icons.
Interacting with Text
Visual Intelligence excels at recognizing text within images. Whether it’s contact information, website URLs, or email addresses, the tool accurately identifies and makes it actionable. Tap on a phone number to initiate a call, an email address to compose a message, or a website URL to launch Safari. A “More” button reveals additional options for interacting with the extracted text.
Interacting with Businesses
Point your iPhone camera at a business sign, and Visual Intelligence will display the business name at the top of the screen. Tap “Schedule” to view operating hours, “Order” to explore the menu or make a purchase, “Menu” to browse available items, and “Reservation” to book a table. “More” reveals additional options like calling the business, reading reviews, or visiting the website.
Utilizing Google Image Search
Selecting Google Image Search displays a Safari dialog box populated with visually similar images from the web. This feature is particularly useful for finding deals or comparing prices. Simply take a photo of a product, and the results will showcase various options available online. Remember, you’ll need to navigate to the respective websites to complete the purchase.
Ready to Explore?
Visual Intelligence represents a significant leap forward in mobile image recognition, offering a plethora of practical applications. While availability is currently limited, the future looks bright for this innovative feature. Join the waitlist today and prepare to unlock a world of possibilities.